Happy Birthday Anna

Today is a bittersweet day for Joe and I. We are sad that our baby is not really a baby anymore, but excited about a new year ahead for her. Joe and I have grown so much over the last year by being Anna's parents. I can remember our first night home from the hospital and wanting to start Baby Wise right away. We put her in her crib and she immediately started crying. Joe and I layed in bed and cried too because it hurt to hear our 3 day old baby cry, but we knew that if we did it, it would be best for the future. During the first week or so of Anna's life Joe and I realized that we couldn't do this..raise a baby...without totally giving her over to our Lord and knowing he was going to protect her. God has blessed us with a happy, healthy baby and I think he has used her to grown us in our faith. I thank God everyday for her and for my amazing husband. I could not have done this without him.

I made a memory book of Anna's first year and gave it to her grandparents for Christmas. In the book, Joe and I wrote a letter to Anna and we wanted to share it with all of you.

A letter from Mommy:
Anna, Mommy loves you with all my heart. I am so thankful God blessed me with such a wonderful baby. I have enjoyed every minute of your first year and am so thankful I can stay home with you! I have loved watching you grow, learn, explore, imagine, and play. I pray that as soon as you are ready, you will ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you from your sins. I love you with all my heart!
Love, Mommy

A letter from Daddy:
Anna, you truly are a blessing from God. I pray for you everyday and I thank God for you. I pray that as soon as you are able to understand, you will give your heart to Jesus and live to honor him all the days of your life. I hope that God will help me be the best Daddy I can be. As you grow older I hope you remember 3 things that will never change: your daddy loves Jesus, your daddy loves your mommy, and your daddy loves you!
Love, Daddy

4 days old...so sweet!


Anna's first doctor's visit.

This was one of my favorite sleepers and hats! Anna is about a week old here.

3 month pic

Anna was so sick on her first Thanksgiving:(

Anna is now a pro at pulling up on anything and walking while holding on to the couch, but has no desire to walk. Maybe she will by her 2nd birthday.

Anna loves her Daddy soooo much!

Christmas pic 2008





Anna's Words:
Ma'ma
Daddyee
Nana
baby
no
bye bye
hi
Ma
Jacob
boo
ball
uh oh

Anna's Sounds
ba ba
moo - she says boo
quack quack
rarr
oooh

Anna's signs:
please
thank you
more
all done
sleep
milk
bird
no
ball